Diadeloso and the Solar Eclipse FAQ
Baylor University will celebrate Diadeloso on Monday, April 8, the same day as the total solar eclipse. While much of Dia will be the same, there are some changes and additions you should be aware of before you join in the fun.
Will Diadeloso events be held on campus this year?
A full schedule of Diadeloso games and activities as well as Noon Meal will take place on Baylor’s campus on April 8, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Student tournaments begin at 9 a.m.) Events will primarily be located in the heart of campus – Fountain Mall, the Quad, Bear Park and near the SUB. See the Diadeloso schedule here.
Thousands of visitors are expected in Waco and at the Eclipse Over Texas event at McLane Stadium. Some may walk over to explore the campus. To be sure Baylor students, faculty and staff have exclusive access to Dia events and attractions, wrist bands will be required to participate in all Dia activities.
Staff, please note that the University is officially open on April 8. You are asked to coordinate your time away at Diadeloso with your supervisor.
How do I get a wrist band for Diadeloso events?
To claim a wrist band, students, faculty and staff will be required to present a valid Baylor ID. To help you safely view the eclipse, each wrist band will come with approved solar eclipse glasses.
Faculty and staff may pick up wrist bands at these times and locations:
• In Advance of Dia: Bill Daniel Student Center, April 3 through April 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Day of Dia: 5th Street between the Bill Daniel Student Center and Marrs McLean Gym from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or at the Penland Crossroads or East Village Dining Commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Faculty and staff are encouraged to pick up wristbands in advance to avoid the crowds on Dia.
Students may pick up wrist bands at these times and locations:
• Day of Dia: 5th Street between the Bill Daniel Student Center and Mars Mclean Gym between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or at the Penland Crossroads or East Village Dining Commons from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where can I participate in Dia’s campuswide Noon Meal?
Dia’s traditional campuswide Noon Meal will be served in Penland Crossroads and East Village Dining Commons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The same food selections will be available at each location, and you may dine in or carry out your meal if you’d like to enjoy the music in Fountain Mall.
Are other food options available on campus?
Penland Crossroads and East Village Dining Commons will be open for lunch. All other dining halls will be closed for lunch on Monday, April 8. The food court in the Bill Daniel Student Center will be open.
Food trucks with specialty drinks, desserts and snacks for purchase will be available beginning at 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Morrison Hall.
Will there be a place on campus to safely watch the Eclipse?
Yes, Diadeloso will include an Eclipse Watch with information and interesting facts about the total solar eclipse provided by Dr. Jared Fier, from Baylor’s Physics Department, on Fountain Mall from 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. REMEMBER: you must use special solar eclipse glasses to safely view any portion of the eclipse. Traditional sunglasses WILL NOT protect your eyes from damage.
How does celebrating Dia on a Monday impact the class schedule?
Celebrating Diadeloso on Monday, April 8 will require some shifting of class schedules to be sure the University fulfills the required number of class days to meet accrediting requirements. On Tuesday, April 9, Baylor will operate a typical "Monday" schedule. That means that on Tuesday, April 9, all students will attend the Monday classes they would have attended on Dia.
Are there parking changes on campus due to Dia and the eclipse?
• On April 8, students without parking permits may park in designated student parking areas around campus. For parking availability, check the Baylor Garage Counter Map.
• Parking lots near Morrison, Castellaw, Moody (west side), Russell (small lot behind) will be closed for Dia events.
• Overflow parking for Robinson Tower staff will be unavailable, and the shuttle from McLane Stadium to and from Robinson Tower will not run on April 8.
Will campus roads be closed due to Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco at McLane Stadium?
Most roads in and around campus will be open, but be mindful that there will be delays due to traffic in the area. Some roads and parking lots near the center of campus will be closed to accommodate Dia events. Among them:
• 4th Street at Penland and behind Cashion/Morrison
• 3rd Street at Dutton, near Moody Library and S. Russell
If I decide to go to Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco at McLane Stadium, what should I expect?
A ticket is required to participate in Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco at McLane Stadium. There are numerous educational and experiential opportunities, presentations, and activities for the entire family as you learn about the eclipse. A clear bag policy will be in effect, and visitors must pass through magnetometers to enter the event. There are no in-and-out privileges at the event. Once you pass through security, you may not leave and then re-enter. Food trucks and other vendors will be on site for the convenience of guests, and you may bring a blanket to sit on and watch the eclipse. No seating is provided with general admission tickets.
Staff, please note that the University is officially open on April 8. You are asked to coordinate your time away at Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco with your supervisor.
How will the eclipse and Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco at McLane Stadium impact Waco?
Waco is one of the largest cities in the solar eclipse path of totality, and that makes it a very popular location for thousands of visitors who want to see the event. The next time the total solar eclipse will be viewable in the U.S. will be August 2044.
Expect heavier than normal traffic and congestion in the Waco area from April 5-8 as events around the eclipse are planned through the weekend. Hotels and campgrounds in the region are at capacity, and many visitors have found lodging outside the area and will drive in for the events.
You may find a schedule of eclipse-related events here.